Organization of the State’s leading business and agricultural associations has long supported Sandpiper, which is the safest and most efficient way to transport North Dakota Crude Oil.

The Minnesota Ag/Energy Alliance, a coalition comprised of some of the State’s leading business and agriculture organizations which formed as a result of their shared objective to permit the proposed Sandpiper pipeline, applauds the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for granting the Certificate of Need for the Sandpiper Pipeline project in northern Minnesota.

“The PUC clearly recognizes the need for this critical project and we are pleased that the Commission recognized that this project will provide a benefit to the economy, public safety and efficiency in delivering energy. The ruling is a clear indication that the State of Minnesota believes that Enbridge can build the Sandpiper safely and responsibly.” said Lance Klatt, Executive Director of the Minnesota Service and Convenience Store Association and member of the Minnesota Ag/Energy Alliance.

Klatt continued “This project has demonstrated support from agriculture, labor, business, local government, first responders and many other groups, who have stood together to support this common sense proposal and will continue to support this effort and others.”

The Ag/Energy Alliance will continue to advocate for this important energy resource as the PUC routing permit process continues in the coming months. The Alliance believes that Enbridge has studied all options for route and the preferred route is the best balance for both environment and people. Enbridge has worked with landowners along the route and have agreements with 95% of landowners. Over three-fourths of the route follows existing pipelines or electric transmission routes, affects fewest landowners, natural resources, cities and towns.

The Minnesota Agriculture & Energy Alliance is a partnership between citizens, government, non-profit organizations and private companies working to support Minnesota’s farmers and agri-business, rural retailers and other small businesses.

We want to improve life in our state, and so we support projects that make Minnesota better – and a better place to live and work.